The Boy Hotspur

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has been tipped by Bryan King to step into the starting lineup for their clash against Brighton if Destiny Udogie is ruled out due to injury.

Udogie, who has been dealing with a knock, will need to pass fitness tests during training sessions before manager Ange Postecoglou makes a final decision on his availability.

King expressed confidence in Davies as the ideal candidate to fill the left-back position should Udogie be unable to feature.

While Spurs have other options such as Djed Spence or Micky van de Ven, King emphasised that Davies’ wealth of experience makes him the preferred choice, particularly for a challenging fixture like Brighton.

Speaking to Tottenham News, the former club scout said:

“Udogie missing out would be a problem.

“Leaving him behind in London so that he could focus on his recovery was definitely the sensible choice.

“This is a starting player we are talking about, important to the team. However, he has players that he can bring in for him.

“They have Spence, we’ve seen van de Ven play left-back. However, personally, I think he would start with Davies, you can’t beat experience. I think he is your best choice if Udogie doesn’t play.”

This season, Davies has taken on more of a rotational role, making three starts across the Europa League and EFL Cup.

However, with Tottenham managing a busy schedule of domestic and European competitions, the Welsh international is expected to step up when called upon.

At 31 years old and in the final year of his contract, Davies remains a trusted and versatile figure within the squad. His experience and leadership are seen as crucial by Postecoglou, who values the defender’s reliability when injuries or rotation are needed.

As Tottenham aims to maintain their momentum, Davies is likely to play an important part in keeping the squad well-balanced and prepared throughout the season.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still keeping a close watch on Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, with fresh interest in a potential move next summer, according to Football Insider.

It has been revealed that a £68 million release clause will be activated next summer for Eze, whose contract with Palace runs until June 2027.

Despite being linked with the 26-year-old attacking midfielder during the last transfer window, Spurs decided to pursue Burnley’s Wilson Odobert instead for £30 million including add-ons. However, Tottenham’s interest in Eze has not waned, and he remains a key target for the club.

Eze has made a decent start to the new season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in his first eight appearances across all competitions.

His standout performances have kept him on the radar of several top clubs, with Tottenham among those monitoring him as they look to strengthen their midfield options.

While a move for Eze in January seems improbable, Spurs are expected to keep tracking his development throughout the season, with the aim of a potential transfer next summer. The activation of the release clause could make a deal more attainable for Tottenham as they seek to add more creativity to their squad.

Spurs fans will no doubt be eager to see if Eze could join the club, offering additional attacking flair and depth to their midfield lineup.

Ange Postecoglou has advised James Maddison to keep ‘making an impact’ for Tottenham Hotspur in order to earn a recall to the England national team.

Despite being among the Premier League’s best playmakers for some time now, Maddison still has only seven England caps to his name.

The 27-year-old was included in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 but missed out on the final cut as the Three Lions reached the final, where they lost 2-1 to Spain.

Maddison has started the 2024/25 campaign in style, notching a goal and two assists in six Premier League appearances.

The former Leicester man is also first among Spurs players for progressive passes (49) and successful dribbles (10), and second for chances created (13) and passes into the final third (34).

“I want to be in the England squad, every player does,” Maddison said prior to Thursday’s squad announcement.

Nevertheless, Maddison was still snubbed by England interim manager Lee Carsley for the upcoming Uefa Nations League matches with Greece and Finland.

Postecoglou reacts to James Maddison’s England snub

Postecoglou was quizzed about Maddison’s England omission during his Friday press conference.

The Spurs boss empathised with Maddison, but urged his playmaker to keep up his current form to ensure he muscles his way into future squads.

“Yeah look I am sure he is disappointed but at the same time, he is playing well,” said Postecoglou (via Football.London).

“You know, it’s not, sometimes it’s all you can do. These things come along at times, it’s not always perfect in your career and there are situations and circumstances that mean you don’t always get what you want but it shouldn’t deter from or detract from everything else that you’re doing.

“So he is playing really well for us, I think he’s been outstanding all year. He’s making an impact in every game he plays, he’s a really important part of our midfield setup and if he continues to do that I am sure he’ll be selected again but he can’t just sort of put everything into one basket just being disappointed just because you’ve missed out.

“I’ve said that shouldn’t have any effect on him and the way he’s playing because he has been brilliant for us.”

Ange Postecoglou says the time has come for him to make a ‘real impact’ after hitting the 50-game mark as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

In terms of results, the Australian’s tenure so far has been a mixed bag with 27 wins, eight draws and 15 defeats to his name.

However, Spurs are much-improved stylistically, while Postecoglou — who took charge in June 2023 — returned them to Europe with a fifth-place Premier League finish last season.

The Lilywhites’ 2-1 win over Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday was Postecoglou’s 50th game in charge of the club.

Ange Postecoglou reflects on first 50 games in charge of Spurs

Postecoglou has admitted it’s often been unclear whether or not he’d even reach this point.

But with Spurs fans desperate to see the club end their trophy drought, the boss insists things will only get better from here.

“Many wouldn’t have said I’d make 50 mate, even when I was on about 46,” the 59-year-old told reporters at his Friday press conference (via Football.London).

“Look obviously as managers, there’s always a ticking clock against our tenure. Every time you reach a milestone it’s always an indication that people believe in what you’re trying to do.

“It has flown by to be fair, obviously 15, 16 months, 50 games but I enjoy every one of them and hopefully, the next 50 are ones where we can make a real impact.”

Game 51 comes when Spurs travel to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday.

Thursday’s 2-1 win over Ferencvaros in the Europa League was a great night for some of Tottenham Hotspur’s youngsters.

Keen not to fall prey to the sort of injury issues that plagued him last season, Ange Postecoglou rotated four teenagers into the starting line-up in Budapest.

Archie Gray started in an unfamiliar centre-back role but looked composed and accomplished in a performance that included three tackles, three clearances and nine recoveries.

In midfield, Lucas Bergvall continues to impress and alongside a 90% pass completion rate, provided the assist for Pape Sarr’s 23rd-minute opener — granted with a bit of fortune, but he did create two chances on the night.

And up-front, Will Lankshear was a nuisance for the Ferencvaros defence and could have had a couple of goals but was a little off with his aim, although he did complete 100% of his passes and create one chance.

But the pick of the bunch was arguably Mikey Moore.

Just 17 years old and 53 days old, Moore became the youngest player to start for an English club in the Europa League since Jake Bidwell for Everton (16 years, 271 days) against BATE Borisov in December 2009.

Moore caused havoc at times and showed plenty of glimpses of his obvious quality, creating one big chance and attempting two shots, while attempting seven dribbles and five crosses. Moore was also involved in the build-up for Sarr’s opener.

Mikey Moore catches the eye of Crouch and Cole

The winger’s minutes seem to be growing under Postecoglou, and Moore’s European performance has certainly caught the eye of TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Joe Cole.

“I thought Mikey Moore was excellent on his full debut. He had a hand in the first goal too,” former Tottenham striker Crouch said (via Spurs Web).

Ex-Chelsea winger Cole added: “(The first goal) was against the run of play. Moore was really good. He was comfortable on the ball, driving with it. They all did very well but he was the pick of the youngsters.”

Moore will hope for more minutes when Spurs travel to Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has praised striker Dominic Solanke, who he feels is ‘getting stronger’ every day.

Solanke joined Spurs from Bournemouth in a big-money summer move after notching 21 goals across all competitions for the Cherries last season — including 19 in the Premier League.

The 27-year-old initially endured a slow start to life in north London, disrupted by a minor ankle injury.

However, he appears to be hitting his stride now having registered three goals and an assist in his last three appearances across all competitions.

That form has been rewarded with a call-up to the England squad to face Greece and Finland in the Nations League next week, seven years after his only previous cap.

Solanke ready to make ‘significant impact’ for Spurs, says Ange

Speaking prior to Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Hungarian champions Ferencvaros on Thursday, Postecoglou heaped praise on Solanke.

The Australian believes his striker is very quickly returning to full fitness and is ready to make a ‘significant impact’ for Spurs.

“Obviously, we didn’t sign Dom until late in the window and he was really keen to get his Tottenham career up and running as quickly as possible and then he had a false start,” said Postecoglou (via Football.London).

“He got injured really early in the game at Leicester and then proceeded to miss a couple so for him it’s probably been a little bit frustrating but I knew what we were bringing to the football club. I was really confident that the way we play and his attributes, that he was going to be a great fit.

“I could see that from the first day of training, but we had to be patient. He’s getting up there now in terms of physical fitness, I think every game he looks like he’s getting stronger. It’s a demanding role up front for us, it’s not just about goals, it’s about his link-up play and pressing.

“We’ve put a fair amount of workload on him, even though he’s missed a couple of games. I can see he’s getting strong. Obviously the goals help. He’s a striker. He wants to score goals and that helps him to feel better about the beginning of his career here.

“I think he’s in great condition, he’s already made a big impact at our football club, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead and the potential we have as a team and he as an individual and that he can make a significant impact.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid are interested in the services of Tottenham defensive star Pedro Porro.

Pedro Porro has only gone from strength to strength since making the move to Tottenham from Sporting CP at the start of 2023. While it was an initial loan transfer, the move was made permanent in the summer. The Spanish full-back has established himself as one of their mainstays under Ange Postecoglou and his consistent performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, the Spanish international finds himself on the wishlist of Real Madrid. Los Blancos are looking to sign a new right-back with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez both on the wrong side of 30. While Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is their top target, they have identified Porro as an ideal alternative if they fail to acquire the services of the English international.

Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be a big fan of the Tottenham full-back. He appreciates his skills and feels he could help them in the long run. While his contract with the North London club runs until the summer of 2028, they are fearful of losing the 25-year-old to the Spanish giants. They could offer him a lucrative deal and an opportunity to return to his homeland.

The report suggests a fee of around €65 million (£55m) could be enough for Los Blancos to prise him away from Tottenham. While he is a key part of Postecoglou’s plans, Madrid’s arrival can surely complicate things for Spurs.

Tottenham are scouting Crystal Palace midfield sensation Adam Wharton ahead of a potential transfer.

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at the club has resulted in a lot of changes. Apart from those on the pitch, they have also changed their approach in the transfer window. The North London club now focus on signing young players with huge potential, players who can help them in the long run.

Tottenham added Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert to their squad in the summer and they are now interested in the services of Adam Wharton. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the North London club have been tracking his progress for a while. They could soon make an offer for the services of the 20-year-old defensive midfielder who has only gone from strength to strength since joining Crystal Palace at the start of 2024.

The Blackburn graduate has established himself as a mainstay at Palace and his exceptional performances even helped him get called up to the England national team. Multiple top clubs in the Premier League are keen on signing him and Tottenham are one of them.

Spurs parted ways with quite a few midfielders during the summer. While they still have enough quality in their squad, they lack depth. Someone like Wharton who can feature in different roles could be an exceptional signing for them. But the North London club are not going to find it easy as they will have to compete with other top clubs. More importantly, the Eagles are unlikely to sell him in the winter and when they do decide to cash in on him, they will look for a significant fee.

Tottenham are reportedly preparing to offer defender Cristian Romero a contract extension that would place him among the highest earners at the club.

This move is seen as a crucial step in securing the long-term services of one of their most important players.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has voiced his approval of the potential contract extension, emphasizing that tying down key players like Romero to extended deals is essential for Tottenham’s success.

Robinson noted that offering a significant wage increase, reportedly raising Romero’s salary to £200,000 a week, reflects the defender’s vital role in the squad.

Robinson also highlighted the Argentine’s leadership qualities on the field. While Romero may not be the most vocal player, his determination, toughness, and consistent performances make him a key figure in Tottenham’s defence.

Speaking to Tottenham News, the Sky Sports pundit said:

“If you’re going to give a player a pay rise, you can’t do that without extending their contract, which is good news for Tottenham. He and Micky van de Ven have been key.

“He brings grit and determination, and that little bit of bite they might not have otherwise. I think he’s a leader on the pitch, though not vocally. To tie him down to a longer-term contract is only good news.”

Since he arrived from Atalanta in 2022 for a €50 million fee on a permanent transfer, Romero has quickly become a cornerstone of Spurs’ backline.

His partnership with fellow defender Micky van de Ven has further solidified the team’s defensive strength under manager Ange Postecoglou.

Romero’s performances have attracted attention from major European clubs, including Real Madrid, earlier this summer. However, Tottenham remain committed to keeping the 26-year-old as a central figure in their future plans. His current contract runs until 2027, but securing an extension would ensure his continued presence in the team.

With Romero anchoring the defence, Spurs’ ambitions in both domestic and European competitions look stronger, and a new long-term contract would be a major boost for the club moving forward.

American striker Folarin Balogun recently disclosed that he came close to signing for Tottenham Hotspur before ultimately deciding to join Arsenal during his youth development.

In an interview with JD Sports, Balogun explained that at one point, he was simultaneously on trial with both North London clubs, training with Tottenham from Monday to Thursday and Arsenal over the weekends.

He revealed that the final decision to join Arsenal was influenced by his family, who believed that the Gunners provided a better path for his future growth.

The 23-year-old forward said:

“That is true. I was at Tottenham and Arsenal at the same time, and I was on trial with both teams. I was training Monday to Thursday with Tottenham and Friday to Sunday with Arsenal.

“It was an intense schedule, but in the end me and my family decided that Arsenal will be a better fit for me, and it worked out excellently.”

The decision proved successful, as Balogun rose through the ranks of Arsenal’s academy, scoring 38 goals for the U18s and 37 goals for the U21s. He eventually made his senior debut for the club in a Europa League match in 2020. (Transfermakrt)

However, despite showing early promise, Balogun found regular first-team opportunities at Arsenal limited, which led to loan spells at Middlesbrough and later at French club Reims.

His time at Reims during the 2022-23 season was particularly noteworthy, as he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, netting 21 goals in Ligue 1. His impressive performances garnered attention from several top European clubs.

In August last year, Balogun completed a transfer to AS Monaco for a reported fee of €30 million, marking the next big step in his career and further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in European football.

While Tottenham missed out on signing Balogun in his early years, his successful rise through Arsenal’s ranks and his standout season in France demonstrate what could have been for Spurs if the deal had gone their way.